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Unlike other filters, the Whisper® EX contains multiple layers of progressively denser floss to remove even the smallest particles from the water. The carbon inside eliminates odors, discoloration and, most importantly, harmful toxins. Finally, the BioScrubber® removes ammonia and nitrites that are deadly to your fish.

Shape makes using custom media more difficult, high potential for problems

Nice filter. I have the EX30 and EX45 on 20G and 29G tanks respectively. I dump out the carbon and put a couple biomaxx bags in instead. For the high potential for problems - the motor is inside the tank and the intake tube connects to a U joint that dumps the water into the media compartment. The connection for the intake to the U joint is this crude rubber connecter - half around one side and the other half around the other. Should that connection come loose, the motor will continue to pump water which ends up everywhere BUT in the filter. Happened to me once when playing with the filter.

This is my first filter, so I don't have any other experiences to compare to. However, I am very satisfied with it. As they advertise, the water flow is very well designed. I have the Whisper EX 45 on a 30 gallon long and if I put it on the side of the tank it's pretty much rapids throughout. When on the back, to one side, half the tank is calmer. This filter has a timer you replace along with new media and activate telling you how long till the carbon needs to be replaced, which is very handy. The Bioscrubber which is separate from the carbon filter stays in and keeps the bacteria. If you like a peaceful and subtle waterfall sound just drop the water level an inch - there is no water movement sound when water is filled at 1 inch from lip. Has intake downspout extenders for 12" high, 16-18", and taller aquariums for optimum water flow. Also, it looks nice, sleek and up-to-date, all black.

I like this filter, unfortunatly I received a defective unit. After hooking it up, I noticed the water level in the tank had dropped. I topped it off, it dropped again. Turned out the unit had a pin hole in the bottom of the part that hangs outside the tank. I was able to repair the leak by basically re-melting the plastic. This was only temporary as I contacted Tetra via e-mail and they are sending a replacement filter. Lesson learned before installing anything like this fill with water and check for leaks.

I definitely liked the flow rate on this, it's great for heavily stocked tanks or when you need a fair amount of circulation. However, mine did not run as quietly as expected based on previous experience with the brand...disappointing in this regard. The so-called 'timer' also never worked properly, though that wasn't as much of a problem since I rarely use carbon filtration. I've also had some issues with the intake coming loose.

I have used three of these on a 20 gal. tall turtle tank and when this one burns out I will buy a fourth. The tank is about 5 years old and though I have gone through three of them, I would rate them as durable. The abuse these filters can take is impressive. Being in a turtle tank, I keep the water level lower than the recommended level for the filter and it still works fine.

They are a little louder than the old style Whisper filters, but the water noise is louder than the pump for me. If you get one of the filters with the "timer" on it don't bother with it.

The only reason I don't rate this product a ten is that the intake tubes do not like to stay together. They stay together for about two days at best for me before you see the tubes laying in the tank. With full disclosure, it could be the turtles pulling it apart at night. They like to arrange the tank as they see fit.